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Watercolorist Mary Whyte’s vibrant depiction of American veterans bows at the Booth.
Written by Jenn Thornton
America’s veterans are a microcosm of the country. We, the People, are a patchwork of folk spread across a land that is as topographically different and dynamic as it is culturally. In his famous work Leaves of Grass, Walt Whitman famously wrote, “I contain multitudes.” So does America itself. But in that case, the poet might have added… and then some. This is particularly evident in the U.S. military where, as memorably depicted in the traveling exhibit We the People: Portraits of Veterans in America, people from all corners of the country have converged and reported for duty.
Having debuted in Charlestown, South Carolina, We the People—by American watercolorist Mary Whyte—is landing at the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, Georgia this summer for a July 6-Nov.17, 2024 run. A monumental artistic tribute to some of the nation’s bravest, the show consists of 50 watercolors, of 50 veterans, from all 50 states. Not only do these “hidden heroes” come from everywhere in the nation, but from every walk of life, as well. From a Rhode Island lobsterman and Pennsylvania science teacher, to a Missouri dairy farmer and a South Carolina single mom, each individual portrait adds up to one broad representation of the country.
Like Whyte’s other work, We the People watercolors showcase the South Carolinian artist’s gracefully wispy brushstrokes, but her seven-year odyssey to bring the show into being speaks to her gritty, get ‘er done side. With boot-camp fortitude, Whyte sought out her subjects the good old-fashioned way—she hit the pavement. Made some calls, knocked on doors (including the mayor’s). In one instance, as she relayed to Charleston Magazine, she skipped off to Skagway, Alaska to track a vet-turned-postmaster named Adrian and even ran down an NASA astronaut. Plus, she self-funded the entire enterprise.
“When I undertook this project to paint the face of America, what began as an exercise to create fifty portraits turned into an all-consuming mission to uphold and honor the hidden heroes of our country,” says Whyte, who in addition to being an internationally recognized artist, is also an author and the recipient of Portrait Society of America’s Gold Medal. “We is not only a tour across and through these vast United States, it is a tour through the heart and soul, the duty and the commitment of the people who protect not only our Constitution and our country but our very lives. We can only be deeply grateful, inspired, and humbled by all of them, and it’s my hope that this exhibition will give rise to a greater sense of gratitude for our military, as well as to inspire people to reach for what is possible.” Featured on the CBS Sunday Morning show and getting an approving shout out from Navy veteran George Patton Waters, the grandson of legendary General George S. Patton (who happened to be an art connoisseur, as well, according to his namesake), We the People also inspired the Patriot Art Foundation. Comprised of veterans, artists, educators, altruists, business owners and volunteers, the foundation is, not unlike our men and women in uniform, on a mission: to honor and serve veterans through art and educational efforts, providing them with a means of self-expression, connection and purpose. Through its efforts, Patriot Art Foundation hopes to have a national presence “showcasing art for, of and by veterans.”
Photos of We the People: Portraits of Veterans in America courtesy of the Booth Western Art Museum.
